The Shaolin Grandmasters' Text: History, Philosophy, And Gung Fu of Shaolin Ch'an

by Ch'an Shaolin, Order of Shaolin Ch'an

The Shaolin Grandmasters' Text is a one-of-a-kind volume discussing the history, philosophy and Gung Fu of Shaolin Ch'an, one of the most misunderstood schools of Ch'an Buddhism. In this revised edition, the Order of Shaolin Ch'an has updated information on their martial and Buddhist legacies in an effort to further preserve the Order's heritage.

Genres: Martial Arts

303 pages, Hardcover

First published January 15, 2005

Reviews

[Joseph Kauffman · Rating 5 out of 5]

For anyone interested in martial arts this is a great read to understand the origins of martial arts as well as how far it has come. The section on enlightenment is worth the purchase alone. This book is full of knowledge, wisdom, powerful insights and rich history. Excellent book.

[Raymond Goss · Rating 5 out of 5]

Surprisingly well written. This isn't your standard Chinese translation. In fact, I think the Chinese could have been better as the mandarin translations are using Wade-Giles and much isn't in mandarin. While there is no author credited to the book, it claims to be written by current members of the Shaolin Order living in the United States, now perhaps second or third generation removed from China. The book begins and ends with a detailed discussion on the philosophy and meditative practices of the order. There is a good deal of history discussed including the formation of the temple, the role Damo and others played in the development of Chan and martial arts, the relationship of Shaolin and various temples. Because I have read a lot of other material, I wasn't surprised by the reduction of contributions that various notables have had. It was interesting to read the relation of the Shaolin temple to other Buddhist and Daoist temples, the borrowings and sharing and the confirmation of multiple southern temples. The sections on the the martial arts styles and ranking was enlightening. This seems to me more realistic than many of the "Shaolin" martial arts books that I have read and leafed through or bought at the Shaolin temple. While no techniques are discussed, it does describe the training and various paths. I think, someone who reads this book should also read Meir Shahar's "The Shaolin Monastery: History, Religion, and the Chinese Martial Arts" for a more complete understanding. While much of the information is confirmed, there are a few cases where it isn't aligned, but I see these cases as different perspectives. When I was studying in China in 1992, I visited the Shaolin temple and was disappointed seeing the modern wushu being taught and only identified government employees dressed as monks. The Grandmasters' Text confirms my assessment and also discusses recent migrations of new monks to the west.

[Heather · Rating 5 out of 5]

The great thing is that I started reading this book totally unaware that it's origin is just over the West Hills of Portland. The first half is about the history and philosophy of the Order of Shaolin Ch'an. The second half is about the actual martial arts techniques and styles. I took a break between the two halves, during which point I decided to find myself a class. I used this book as the beginning of the trail to the 'real deal' OSC. Looking around, and continuing my trek through martial arts cinema, there is a HUGE difference between the "Shaolin" that comes from today's China and the OSC. If you want to know the difference, then read this book!

More volumes are planned.

[Ben G · Rating 4 out of 5]

Purchased sometime ago. An apparently robust history of Shaolin philosophy and wu-shu. We will see...

It's made clear from the outset that Shaolin Ch'an (Zen) chooses the martial arts that are commonly called Shaolin Kung-Fu (sometimes Gung-Fu; 'hard work', but more appropriately regarded as Wu-Shu; 'martial arts') as a means to engage in Combat with a view to relinquish one's ego. That these same arts can be used for self-defence, etc is of secondary importance. The Order of the Shaolin Ch'an (OSC; the authors) reiterate that this is but one means to enlightenment.

The remainder of the book covers a large number (all?) of Gung-Fu styles, their philosophies and forms and how they interrelate to Shaolin. I'm not really doing the book justice, as it covers so much more in respect of the history and philosophy of the gung-fu styles and the pragmatic nature of Shaolin (and indeed other styles).

In conclusion, I would recommend this book to anyone with an interest in understanding (perhaps?) the worlds oldest martial art, but moreover an ancient philosophy (i.e. Ch'an (Zen)) that itself developed from a combination of Indian Buddhism and Chinese Taoism.

[Jacob Lehman · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good philosophy/history, but I would have liked more exercises!

[Miguel Ángel Siller · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book to understand what the title states. Not many exercises but it gives you a why to continue in the Shaolin path or why to stop.

[Peter · Rating 5 out of 5]

A useful and interesting perspective, largely about the relationship between Buddhism and traditional Kung Fu.

[Syzygy82 · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book helped me through a difficult time.

[H]

Fascinating. Written in the 21st century by the supposed current Grandmaster and his disciples (in the actual Shaolin, hidden somewhere in Oregon with plainclothes monks, and no longer in the tourist destination in China). Oversimplified language for a general audience, but with many insights and disabused notions.

[Toro · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great Shaolin history and philosophy text. A must to read!

[Patrick Mahoney]

reading in print. now seems odd to read without iPad/kindle...